Russian court sentences American basketball star Brittney Griner to nine years in prison

A Russian court has sentenced American basketball star Brittney Griner to nine years in prison, Mediazona reported on Thursday, August 4.

Moscow’s Khimki City Court found Griner guilty of drug smuggling, and also issued her a one-million ruble ($16,300) fine. Griner, who was first arrested in February 2022 at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport, was charged after a vape cartridge containing cannabis oil was allegedly found in her luggage.

“It’s unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates,” U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement issued immediately after the sentencing.

Griner pled guilty to the charges against her on July 7. She told the court that the crime was an accident, as she had packed her luggage in a hurry and didn’t realize she had the vape cartridges in her bag, according to Mediazona.

Earlier on Thursday, state prosecutors asked the court to sentence Griner to 9.5 years in prison and issue her a 1-million-ruble fine.